The Groundlings - Her career started with stand-up comedy at The Groundlings, an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe located on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles. She later relocated to New York City to hone her craft.

'Gilmore Girls' (2000–2007) - McCarthy's talent was quickly recognized. She made her first television appearance in a 1997 episode of the NBC comedy series 'Jenny.' In 1999 McCarthy made her feature film debut in the comedy 'Go.' But it was her role as Sookie St. James in the TV series 'Gilmore Girls' that caught the imagination of a wider public.

'The Nines' (2007) - 'Gilmore Girls' ran for seven years, during which McCarthy appeared in several movies including 'The Nines' opposite Ryan Reynolds. A science fiction psychological thriller, it marked an early dramatic role for the comedian.

'Mike & Molly' (2010–2016) - McCarthy and costar Billy Gardell portray Mike and Molly, a couple who meet in a Chicago Overeaters Anonymous group and fall in love. McCarthy won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Molly.

'Bridesmaids' (2011) - This hilarious flick was a huge success. The film was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy among other accolades, and McCarthy picked up an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

'Saturday Night Live' (2011–2017) - It was a memorable tenure. McCarthy excelled in the 'SNL' hot seat and was nominated five times for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her appearances on the iconic program, winning in 2017.

'Identity Thief' (2013) - At the same time as hosting SNL, the busy comedian maintained a hectic movie schedule. Unfortunately however, her film 'Identity Thief' failed to impress critics, though it did gross over US$174 million worldwide on a US$35 million budget.

'Spy' (2015) - McCarthy's next film after 'St.Vincent' was this spy caper, which tells the story of the life of a secret agent, Susan Cooper (McCarthy), trying to trace a stolen portable nuclear device.

'Spy' (2015) - Slick direction from Paul Feig (who directed 'Bridesmaids,' and has worked with McCarthy on several occasions) drew out fine performances from the actress and costars Rose Byrne, Jude Law, and a surprisingly funny Jason Statham, better known for his hard man roles.

'Spy' (2015) - The film was a critical and commercial success, and was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for McCarthy.

Melissa McCarthy Seven7 - A little known fact about Melissa McCarthy is that she originally studied textiles at university with an eye on a career in fashion. In 2015 she revisited that early ambition by launching her first clothing collection, Melissa McCarthy Seven7.

The actress teamed up with Sunrise Brands to manufacture and promote plus-size apparel for women. In a 2015 interview she remarked that "there's a big thing missing where you can't dress to your mood above a certain number."

'The Boss' (2016) - Another movie directed by hubby Ben Falcone, this effort failed to see McCarthy fully take charge of her role and the film failed to impress critics. However, it managed to see a modest return at the box office.

'Ghostbusters' (2016) - While critics gave the film moderately positive reviews overall, mainly due to the comedic chemistry among the cast, it ended up being one of the biggest box office bombs in history. Many said that the film couldn't quite live up to the original.

'The Happytime Murders' (2018) - McCarthy's foray into black comedy wasn't very happy at all. The film was set in a world where puppets and humans that co-exist—and it was developed by The Jim Henson Company of Muppets fame! But it was panned by critics, and audiences stayed away.

'Can You Ever Forgive Me?' (2018) - Playing against type, the actress and costar Richard E. Grant earned nominations for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor, respectively, at the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, and the British Academy Film Awards.

Critics fell over themselves in their praise for McCarthy. Film Journal International said McCarthy's performance was "stunning;" IndieWire noted that "McCarthy's performance "elevates the material at every opportunity."

At the Academy Awards in 2019, the actress appeared on stage to present the Best Costume Design award suitably dressed in a totally outrageous outfit, proof if ever it was needed that Melissa McCarthy is one of the funniest individuals working in Hollywood today.

Melissa McCarthy: Comedy queen and drama darling

The "laugh" and times of a gifted comedian

One of the funniest comedy actors working in Hollywood today, Melissa McCarthy is a recipient of two Primetime Emmy Awards and has received nominations for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globes Awards. She was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016, and is one of the highest-paid actresses in the world. Oh, and she also has her own fashion line created specially for plus-size women.

With a birthday on August 26, let's take catch up with the life and career of this extraordinary individual.